About 450,000 condoms will be distributed during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, three times more than for the London Games four years ago, the International Olympic Committee says. 

 

国际奥委会表示，在里约奥运会期间将会分发近45万个避孕套，该数量是四年前伦敦奥运会的三倍。

 

Part of the reason was because 100,000 female condoms will be available for the first time, along with 350,000 condoms for men. About 175,000 packets of lubricant are also being supplied.

 

The IOC says the condoms would encourage 10,500 athletes and staff to practice safe sex. 

 

It's not clear if the increase is related to Brazil's outbreak of the Zika virus. The reporters asked the question of the IOC in an email on Friday but did not receive an immediate¹ response. 

 

The Zika virus is carried by mosquitoes, but can also be transmitted sexually. The virus is linked to microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with undersized brains and skulls².

 

The condoms will be distributed free from a clinic in the Athletes' Village, or from vending³ machines. The village opens on July 24 with the Olympics opening on Aug 5. 

 

Brazilian newspaper Folha de S.Paulo, citing the IOC and local organizers, said the increase was not related to the Zika virus.

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